Build vs Buy Software: Key Factors for Making the Right Choice

Are you looking for a smarter way to build a business solution? One that saves you time, money and reduces commercial risk? If the answer is yes, you’re certainly not alone. Whether you’re looking to build an online store, sales incentive program, or customer loyalty program, there’s a wide variety of options on the market when it comes to choosing a software provider. This brings up the critical question of "build vs buy"—should you develop a custom solution or purchase an existing one? Few businesses are able to “tick all the boxes” when selecting the right software solution to suit their needs.

Navigating the Build vs Buy Dilemma in Software Solutions

Having the option to build bespoke software enables you to design exactly what you want and provides complete ownership of the software. For example, if you need a tailored sales incentives software or a specific sales claim program, custom development allows for precise customization to fit these unique requirements. However building, managing, and maintaining bespoke software comes with a hefty price tag, ultimately resulting in commercial risk to your business.

Should you build software tailored to your exact needs, or buy software that is readily available but may require compromises? Each option has its own set of advantages and drawbacks, making the build vs buy software decision a crucial one for any business.

Then, there’s the less expensive and readily accessible commercially off-the-shelf (COTS) software, which brings us to the "build vs buy" dilemma. COTS software is an efficient way to start interacting with customers sooner by configuring software instead of building it. However, these options have limitations, generally only supporting a single business solution such as sending emails or managing an online store.

Kademi: Bridging the Build vs Buy Gap

In today’s highly competitive market, businesses want the best of both worlds - to tailor a software solution and enter the market quickly, all while being cost effective. 

That’s why Kademi created a smarter way, that allows you to access all the tools you need in a single platform, giving you the ease and efficiency of COTS software so you can configure your solution in hours. Then, depending on your individual needs, you can extend and customize your solution using a software developer without breaking the budget.

Watch the below video and discover how easy it is to configure a B2B sales incentive program in under five minutes using Kademi.

How to Make the Decision?

When faced with the decision to build or buy software, it's essential to evaluate various factors that will influence the effectiveness and efficiency of your solution. This choice impacts your organization’s workflow, budget, and overall strategic direction. For instance, if you’re considering options like sales incentive software, the decision becomes even more critical. Here’s a comprehensive approach to making the best decision for your needs:

• Business Requirements: Analyze your needs and objectives. Custom software meets specific needs but requires detailed planning, while off-the-shelf solutions offer standard features with possible customization.

• Cost Considerations: Compare total ownership costs. Custom software has high development and maintenance costs, while off-the-shelf solutions involve a more predictable licensing fee.

• Scalability and Flexibility: Consider future growth. Custom software can be tailored for scalability, while pre-built solutions may have limitations on growth and adaptability.

By carefully considering these factors, you can make a more informed decision that aligns with your organization’s needs, budget, and strategic goals.

Find Your Perfect Solution with Kademi

The decision between building custom software and buying off-the-shelf solutions hinges on a business's specific needs, budget, and timeline. Custom software provides tailored solutions but involves higher costs and risks, while off-the-shelf software offers a quicker, more cost-effective approach with potential compromises.

Kademi proposes a hybrid method, combining the efficiency and affordability of off-the-shelf software with the flexibility of custom solutions, allowing businesses to balance cost, time, and functionality effectively.

Take decisive action to optimize your sales incentive strategy by evaluating whether to build or buy your software solution. Assess your specific requirements, analyze cost-effectiveness, and consult with experts to choose the solution that best aligns with your business goals. Make the strategic move today to enhance your sales performance and drive growth with the right sales incentive software.